Virtual Exhibits

A Slice of Life (Past) - Woonsocket and the Blackstone Valley

Description

Providing an historic view of Woonsocket and the Blackstone River Valley, the “Slice of Life (Past)” exhibit features a multitude of images and original manuscripts dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Among the items on display are photographs of businesses and scenes of daily life, maps detailing mills and villages along the Blackstone River, and original petitions and legislation concerning the establishment of the town of Woonsocket.

“Visiting our State Archives is a great way to experience our state’s rich, diverse history,” said Mollis. “State Archives has a wealth of information, photographs, records, documents, and reference materials that are simply fascinating, and will take you back in time on a journey you’ll never forget! Our state archivists are always present and ready to answer your questions and help you research anything you are looking for, and I consider it a tremendous resource, which every Rhode Islander should try to visit at least once.”

The State Archives preserves and makes available for research Rhode Island's historical public records, which date from 1638 to the present. Year round, the State Archives reception area also features exhibits that are free and open to the public.

“A Slice of Life (Past)” is FREE and open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 30, 2014 at the State Archives, 337 Westminster Street in downtown Providence. FREE validated parking is available at the nearby In-Town Parking lot at the corner of Snow and Westminster Streets.

Image of the Eleazer Arnold House, built c. 1687, located in Lincoln, RI.In 1693, Eleazer Arnold, a major landowner, built his house along Great Road, one of the earliest roads in the colonies. Two stories high, with a pilastered chimney, the home…

Image of the original Bradford Soap Works located on Buell Street in Woonsocket, R.I. The Bradford Soap Works was founded in Rhode Island 1876 by James Rogers and William Murgatroyd of Bradford, England. They named their plant Bradford Soap Works.…

Image of the Old Slater Mill located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. In 1793, the firm of Almy, Brown, and Slater hired local artisans and laborers to construct a wooden building suitable for manufacturing cotton yarn by waterpower. Slater Mill became…